White River Campground
4.5221 reviewsWhite River Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
"White River Campground costs $20 per night for all site types (tent-only, RV non-electric). Payment is cashless, requiring the use of the Recreation.gov Mobile App or an 'iron ranger' with credit card information. Alternatively, payment can be made at the White River Entrance fee station on your way out."
About this campground
Perched at an impressive 4,440 feet elevation, White River Campground offers adventurers a true high-altitude camping experience in Mount Rainier National Park. This first-come, first-served mountain retreat features 88 well-appointed campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with fire grates and bear-proof food lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety. Modern amenities include flush toilets and fresh drinking water, while the absence of Wi-Fi and cellular service invites visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness. Note that this rustic mountain escape doesn't offer dump stations or laundry facilities, encouraging a more authentic back-to-nature experience.
The campground supports tent and RV camping, with some restrictions. "There are 88 campsites that cost $20 a night. There is a 27 ft RV limit and an 18ft trailer limit."
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, White River Campground experiences a dramatically shortened summer season, with winter's icy grip often holding fast until late June or early July. The campground typically welcomes visitors during a precious window from early summer through late September, when wildflowers burst into bloom and the high country finally shakes off its snowy blanket. Visitors should come prepared for crisp mountain air and potentially chilly nights, even during peak summer months.
ElevationStanding proudly as Mount Rainier National Park's highest campground with full amenities, White River's 4,440-foot elevation places visitors nearly a mile closer to the stars. This remarkable altitude creates a unique alpine environment where the air is crisp and clear, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities and a true mountain atmosphere that lower-elevation campgrounds simply can't match.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled alongside the rushing waters of its namesake White River and embraced by towering evergreen forests, this campground serves as a gateway to some of Mount Rainier's most spectacular high-country adventures. The elevation nurtures a fascinating tapestry of alpine flora and fauna, where wildflowers paint the meadows in summer and wildlife thrives in the diverse ecosystem. Three iconic trails converge near the campground: the legendary 93-mile Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates the entire mountain, the breathtaking Burroughs Mountain Trail with its panoramic vistas, and the scenic Glacier Basin Trail that leads deeper into the park's glaciated wilderness.
Geological RegionCarved into the northeastern flanks of Mount Rainier, this high-elevation sanctuary rests where the tumbling White River has sculpted its path through ancient volcanic deposits. The surrounding forest creates an intimate, cathedral-like atmosphere, with towering conifers providing natural shelter while still allowing glimpses of the massive stratovolcano that dominates the landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accommodations for disabilities are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some large enough for 2 four-person tents and a canopy, as described in user reviews. RVs are limited to 27 ft and trailers to 18 ft.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies per loop and site. Loop B is noted for its quieter and more private sites by users. Sites in Loop D were described as quiet and well-maintained.
Total Campsites88 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Campsites with river views or privacy are highly rated. Notable spots include Loop C, site 02, and Loop D, sites such as D017."
Best Campsites"Loop D has high recommendations for its quiet environment, proximity to restrooms, and scenic views. Specific notable sites include D013 and D021."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
"Check-in begins at 7:00 AM when sites become available."
Check-out
"Check-out is officially at 12:00 PM."
Stay Limit
"Stay limit information is not explicitly provided in authoritative sources."
Guests Allowed Per Site
- "Maximum size for an RV is 27 feet, and for trailers, the limit is 18 feet
- specific guest limits per site are unmentioned."
Groups
No group camping details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout"The campground consists of four loops: A loop (reserved for volunteers), B loop (some closures due to hazards), C loop, and D loop (featuring flush toilets)."
Open and Closed Season"White River Campground typically operates from late June (around June 21) to late September (around September 21)."
Reservation Platforms"Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App to scan and pay. Visitors must download the app prior to their arrival."
Walk-in Availability"User reviews highlight that people circle the loops at 7:00 AM to grab a spot. Sites become available at 7:00 AM, but occupants can leave by noon."
Cancellation Policy"First-come-first-served system; no refunds or modifications for Scan and Pay transactions."
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, emphasizing hiking and nature exploration. "Trails crisscross the campground, including the Wonderland, Burrough Mountain and Glacier Basin Camp Trails." These trails offer access to the White River and other scenic areas.
Hiking
"Trails crisscross the campground, including the Wonderland, Burrough Mountain, and Glacier Basin Camp Trails." User reviews highlight the convenience of hiking access, with phrases like "Amazing hikes and trails from the site."Winter Activities
The high elevation leads to late snowmelt and early winter conditions, potentially offering winter recreation before or after the summer season.Water Sports
No specific water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Burn bans may restrict campfires. Individual fire grates are otherwise available."
- "Quiet hours from 9 PM to 7 AM are officially mandated but are reported to be poorly enforced."
Hazards
General hazards"Some sites are closed permanently due to hazard trees. High elevation and unpredictable weather conditions require preparation for cold and snow early or late in the season."
Active alerts"Notable closures include Sunrise Road during the winter season and SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge, limiting access to nearby regions."
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
"Four miles to a ranger station. Specific details about hospitals and police stations are not provided."
Good to know
Peak season dates"July 11 through September 1, 2025, requires timed entry reservations. Weekends and holidays continue from September 2 until campground closure in late September."
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, and sites include bear boxes for food storage.
Proximity to water features"White River runs adjacent to the campground. Accessible via trails that traverse through or near the facility."
Common complaints"Complaints include noise issues during quiet hours and closures of many sites due to hazards from falling trees."
Host"Kelly is mentioned as a supportive host, providing recommendations and managing the campground well."
Campground Map
Driving directions"Directions can be found on the information board at the White River Campground."
"Five miles from Highway 410 and about four miles from a ranger station. State Routes 123/410, Stevens Canyon, and White River Road to the campground are open for the season."Nearby supplies
"No specific supply stores mentioned, but visitors are advised to be prepared before arrival given that cellular service and Wi-Fi are unavailable at the campground."
Camper Reviews
4.5
21 reviews
White River Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the proximity to hiking trails and beautiful scenery as the campground's key attractions. However, concerns about noise levels and site availability are common.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews
What Campers Love
"Great place to camp near Sunrise visitor center," "Amazing hikes and trails from the site," and "Beautiful campground along the White River with views of Rainier."
Based on 21 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise issues during quiet hours, closures due to hazard trees, and the campground being crowded during peak seasons are commonly mentioned complaints.
Based on 21 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure first-come, first-serve sites. Users recommend grabbing a payment slip at the entrance before finding a site to ensure it can be claimed immediately.
Based on 21 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Positive reviews peak in summer, particularly highlighting hiking access and scenic beauty. However, the campground's popularity and closures for tree hazards lead to frustration during busy seasons.
Based on 21 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Loop C, spot 02 was beauuutiful." "Amazing hikes and trails from the site." "Tip: grab a slip from the entrance before you begin looking for a site so you can claim your spot immediately."
Based on 21 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
D021 was praised as "an excellent site" with convenient access to facilities and a trailhead. Other users highlight Loop B for privacy and peace.
Based on 21 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 21 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 21 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025